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Treatment for ACL Injuries in Children and Teens

Topic Overview

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children
and teens are less common than in adults. But they do occur, especially in
teens. An injury that hasn't been treated (or one in which the treatment didn't work) can lead to future knee problems. The knee may become more and more unstable. Over time,
osteoarthritis may develop.

Trying rehab and other treatments

A child with
an ACL injury can sometimes be treated without surgery to avoid damage
to the child's still-developing bones. Your child can try rehab exercises, wearing a brace, and avoiding activities that require
jumping or twisting.

Studies
suggest that the more active a child is, the less likely these treatments
will work and the more likely surgery will be needed in the
future.1

An avulsion fracture
is more common in young children. This happens when the ligament and a piece of bone separate from the rest of the bone. It can often be treated with a cast. But
it sometimes needs surgery.

Having surgery

The child is a serious athlete in
sports that require running, jumping, and stopping quickly.

The main risks of surgery in a child whose bones
are still growing is slowed growth. This could make one
leg longer than the other. Other risks include a deformed thigh bone. The closer a child or
teen is to full growth, the lower the risk of these problems.

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